Prelude

prel·ude  n.

1. An introductory performance, event, or action preceding a more important one; a preliminary or preface.

So it begins...  the process of finding new homes for our collection of 'stuff' that we have added to, refined and re-defined over the last 35 years. I knew it would be a difficult process as my sentimentality begs me to hold on to those precious memories... but what is a memory?
It's not the inanimate object that recalls it to mind and engenders the warm fuzzies. Rather it is the mental images of the times shared, thoughts behind gifts and pride in children's developing creativity expressed in the many things I've kept and displayed to keep them close.
Unlike people who lose everything through natural disaster, I have the option to pre-plan this 'loss' and soften it into a 'letting go'. Reading other blogs discussing what approach those wishing to travel lightly into the next chapter of life have taken, I think I have come up with a few ideas that will mean less regret. A gentle release of objects that will not tear at my heart, because I'm keeping the memory associated with them.
This idea was partly birthed in practicality. How does one diverse themselves of a lifetime of living in this digital era? Online... obviously! I considered ebay (too expensive, and postage on a couch? Not happening!) Gumtree... may be the backup for the larger items... but it seemed to me that the locally based Buy & Sell Facebook pages would bring about the easiest results. That and a Garage Sale (which could also be advertised on said Facebook pages). Step 1 in that process requires me to 'take a photo' to make an ad. This is where my joint plan kicks in. 
Our goal is to only have 2 suitcases each, and our laptops and portable hard drives. So as I 'capture the memories' (nice phrase there) for the ads, I will be able to keep them and plan to write a small memoir of each that has a story I wish my grandkids would be able to know. Might be useful if I ever get Alzheimer's too... "The Notebook" style!
One of the things I read in my research was a comment on the author's realisation that she 'loved every single one of her possessions', and acknowledged that fondness as she 'popped them in a box'. It is alright to like your stuff, and even love it and still let it go... we do it with our kids, it shouldn't be as difficult for something without an actual heartbeat! 
Okay, I'm off to begin the process.